Is a brief staredown enough to warrant a technical foul? Referee Tony Padilla, officiating Thursday night’s Sweet 16 game between BYU and Alabama, thinks so. However, nearly everyone else watching, including announcers Brian Anderson and Jim Jackson, disagreed.
The incident occurred early in the second half when BYU’s Trevin Knell hit a three-pointer, reducing Alabama’s lead to eight points. Shortly after, Padilla called a technical foul on Knell. As Mark Sears prepared to shoot the technical free throws for Alabama, Anderson attempted to explain the call.
“Tony Padilla’s kind of showing us that he’s talking on his way down,” Anderson remarked. “It’s a significant shot for BYU, Jim.” A replay confirmed that Knell briefly turned to Alabama’s Labaron Philon and appeared to say something, all while running down the court without pausing.
“He looked at — that’s why. ‘Cause he turned and looked. I don’t know,” Anderson added, while Jackson, sharing his perspective, stated, “Yeah, I’m kinda old school. It wasn’t a gesture. He said something. This is gonna be intense. The Alabama player didn’t react negatively, so to me, a tech at that particular time was unwarranted.”
BYU gets a technical foul for looking at an Alabama player. 🏀🦓👮♂️🎙️#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/UJ2bqADPOP
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 28, 2025
Many viewers agreed with Jackson’s assessment. One user commented, “Tony Padilla is a clown 🤡 Same dude from last week’s Arkansas-St John’s foul fest just called the weakest tech I’ve ever seen. This guy should not be calling high-level college basketball games.”
This officiating crew in Newark is weak! Way too
Many quick whistles and this needless taunting call for woofing with opponents is part of the game. These guys feel they have to call everything, and this is a damned entertaining matchup. Stay out of the way and let them play!🤦♂️👍— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) March 28, 2025
Tony Padilla trying to make the game about him. Another case of officials should have to answer questions after a game.
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) March 28, 2025
Good ol Tony Padilla inserting himself into the game. https://t.co/C1mEto2AZp
— Adam Kadavy (@adamk63) March 28, 2025
That is so weak even Greg Sankey (who has zero shame) would blush. https://t.co/8B89fYtQ1C
— Mark Blankenbaker (@UofLSheriff50) March 28, 2025
Tony Padilla after Trevin Knell hits a 3: pic.twitter.com/Dsa9xnhzCf
— Cody Nagel (@CodyNagel247) March 28, 2025
Tony Padilla has been awful all season. Has no business being in this game. https://t.co/U87bGs03sl
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) March 28, 2025
I bet this zebra is still mad for getting picked last in dodge ball. That’s a play on… you know how I know? Because the Bama player didn’t react… at all. He should probably go to the monitor to see how small he looks… pitiful. https://t.co/Dchc0X0ptn
— Josh Perkey (@joshperkey) March 28, 2025
Alabama later sealed the victory with a decisive 113-88 win over BYU.
